Louis Laybourne Smith School of Architecture and Design
Bachelor of Interior Architecture
Bachelor of Interior Architecture
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The aim of the Bachelor of Interior Architecture is to send into the profession of interior design graduates who are capable of designing and implementing socially and environmentally responsive environments, which sustain healthy human existence.
Creative problem solving ability and the capacity to work as a team member are fundamental qualities for interior architects/interior designers. The ability to communicate ideas and concepts clearly and confidently is also important. Designers need to love what they do as the hours are often long and arduous and the demands are challenging.
Interior architecture/interior
design is concerned with the planning and detailing of interior
spaces. It considers structure, joinery, lighting, materials and
building services (electrical, fire detection, airconditioning, etc)
in addition to selection of furniture, finishes, fittings and artwork.
Commercial interior designers work on diverse projects that may
include corporate office fitout, retail interiors, exhibition
projects, hotels, libraries, hospitals and schools. Projects may
involve refurbishing existing buildings or working with architects on
new buildings.
Interior designers work in a similar way to architects. They begin a
project by defining the client's requirements and budget, then
researching the special requirements of the project. The designer then
develops alternative solutions to which the client responds. The final
proposal, which includes costings is then fully documented. Interior
designers are responsible for the supervision of the construction of
the project, working with the client, builder and consultants to
ensure the finished product is as specified.
Interior designers may be involved in designing simple structural
alterations and additions to existing buildings, requiring knowledge
of building construction, building regulations and building law.
Increasingly interior designers need to have lateral thinking skills
and to be attuned to the changing needs of society. They often work in
project teams with project managers, consulting engineers, facilities
planners, graphic designers, artists and architects to ensure the
complex and various needs of clients and users are sympathetically
interpreted.
Interior
designers are generally employed in the building industry, an industry
particularly subject to financial fluctuation due to its dependence on
supply and demand. However, due to the diverse nature of the projects
they are involved with, designers tend to continue to find employment
once they have some experience in the field.
Many graduates choose to travel interstate and overseas, with
Singapore, Hong Kong and London as possible locations for employment.
Opportunities exist for postgraduate studies for those students who
wish to pursue an area of specialisation or an academic career.
The Bachelor of Interior Architecture is recognised for the award of
Associate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia. The
Bachelor of Interior Architecture does not confer qualifications in
Architecture and the South Australian Architects Act legislation
(1939) restricts the use of the title 'Architect' to those registered
by the Architects Board of South Australia.
Employers are mainly architectural practices, interior design practices, building companies, and other companies supplying the building industry, such as corporate furniture suppliers. There are a number of private interior design firms in South Australia and jobs with them are sought after. Some graduates develop their own design practices and an increasing number of graduates are specialising in the areas of furniture design and exhibition design.
introduces students to the basic skills and concepts, establishing a foundation in the areas of design theory, creativity and environmental awareness, together with the development of fundamental communication and technical skills. This level has courses common with the architecture program.
in this level design theory is expanded, developed and applied in the concept, synthesis, and resolution of increasingly more complex design problems. Increasing emphasis is given to the integration of all course matter into design studio. Electives courses broaden the parameters of student awareness both in the program and outside of it.
it is expected that students will develop a level of mastery in the application of the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. The development of the individual as a creative and independent person, able to apply mature concepts and approaches to design problem solving within a framework of thoroughly researched needs and technologies is fostered. At this level, assignments require the application of advanced problem solving skills, communication techniques and building technology to factually based commercial projects. Electives provide the opportunity to pursue course areas in greater depth.
Students in 3rd and 4th year have the option to select one of two minor streams of study offered in furniture design and exhibition design.
An Honours year is offered in study period 5 to 3rd year students with meritorious performance in the program. Entry to Honours is at the invitation of the Head of School.
